Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Chino Hills, CA

  • Published 2022/03/10

Chino Hills is a pocket city in San Bernardino County, and it is a short drive to Hollywood.

It is home to around 80,000 people of diverse cultures and ethnicity.

Many of its residents are working and studying in nearby Los Angeles.

Chino Hills has a quaint and sleepy suburban vibe surrounded by nature and parks.

This quaint city has a lot of hidden gems, and it is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts because of the number of parks and hiking trails found there.

Amazingly, Chino Hills has hiking trails that stretch more than 48 miles, and it has 44 parks scattered throughout this tiny city.

In addition, Chino Hills also has an eclectic selection of restaurants, shopping areas, and other leisure spots.

There are tons of reasons for you to consider Chino Hills as your next travel destination.

It is a relaxing retreat from the hustle and bustle in Los Angeles, California.

If this small city in San Bernardino County is on your list, check out the 15 best things to do in Chino Hills in this post.

Visit the Scenic Chino Hills State Park

Flowers framing the trail of Chino Hills State Park.

The Ecotone / Shutterstock.com

The most recommended tourist attraction in Chino Hills that you should visit first is the Chino Hills State Park along Sapphire Road.

There are many reasons for you to check out this scenic state park situated in the middle of the city.

Hiking trail of Chino Hills State Park.

jdjohannsen / Shutterstock.com

You don’t have to travel far outside San Bernardino County to find a tranquil natural area where you can do many outdoor activities.

Chino Hills State Park stretches 31 miles from Whittier Hills to the Santa Ana Mountains.

Its vast and unspoiled terrain makes it a perfect escape from stressful city life.

Colorful flowers scattered along Chino Hills State Park.

sumikophoto / Shutterstock.com

Celebrate the Annual Harvest Festival

St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church-Harvest Festival is a fun-filled and exciting festival Chino Hills’ community celebrates every year.

It is the largest festival in the Chino Valley community that gathers thousands of people who enjoy food, music, entertainment, carnival games, auctions, fine wines, and beer.

The festival is happening either in September or October annually.

In addition, the festival also features a five-kilometer fun run where the winning runners take home trophies.

From a visitor’s perspective, it is an experience you shouldn’t miss if you want to commune with locals on this exciting day.

So, it would be best to travel to Chino Hills during those months if you want to join the Harvest Festival.

Knock Down Pins at the Chaparral 300

Since 2011, the Chapparal 300 Bowling Center has become one of the main entertainment destinations for locals and visitors in Chino Hills.

It is equipped with 34 modern bowling lanes, pool tables, a full sports bar, shuffleboard tables, arcade games, darts, a mechanical bull ride, and a snack bar.

Chaparral 300, located along Chino Hills Park Way, is a nice place to visit especially if you’re bringing kids with you.

If you have more free time during your visit to Chino Hills, go knock down some pins at the Chaparral 300.

Score Some Great Finds at the Shoppes at Chino Hills

Shopping should always be included in your itinerary during your visit to Chino Hills.

This small city has Shoppes at Chino Hills, a premier shopping mall that boasts top-notch shopping and dining options for everyone.

You don’t need to drive to Los Angeles to score great finds because the Shoppes at Chino Hills virtually has it all.

There are more than 70 shops and restaurants you can browse through at this shopping center nestled off of the 71 Freeway.

The entire mall spans more than 375,000 square feet of quality leisure establishments housed in an open-air mall setting.

The stores you can visit at the Shoppes at Chino Hills are H&M, Victoria’s Secret, Jared’s Jewelers, XXI Forever, Jos. A. Bank, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, etc.

Meanwhile, there is a wide array of restaurants you can have a feast on, such as the Yard House Bar and Grill, California Pizza Kitchen, and P.F Chang’s, among others.

Wander through the Prado Regional Park

Lake view at the Prado Regional Park.

Angel La Canfora / Shutterstock.com

Another outdoor attraction you must visit in Chino Hills is the Prado Regional Park, which can be accessed through Euclid Ave in Chino.

Although this regional park is situated outside the city in Chino, it is a stone’s throw away from Chino Hills, just outside the city limits.

Daytime view at Prado Regional Park.

Angel La Canfora / Shutterstock.com

The entire park covers more than 2,000 acres of natural and forested area, making it a perfect spot to enjoy the beauty of nature.

Similar to Chino Hills State Park, Prado Regional Park is popular for its outdoor recreation such as hiking, fishing, golf, archery, biking, disc golf, and splash pads.

Blue skies and waters of a lake at Prado Regional Park.

Angel La Canfora / Shutterstock.com

Taste Authentic Thai Food at the Buddhist Temple of Chino Hills

The Buddhist Temple of Chino Hills is a unique tourist attraction in the city that you should check out.

It is specifically located along the intersection of Rustic Drive and Chino Hills Parkway.

Aside from browsing through the Buddhist Temple, this attraction is best known for its authentic Thai food, which you can taste from its in-house vendors that cook this popular Asian cuisine.

Their food vendors open their respective stalls during weekends featuring popular Thai dishes such as Pad Thai, Tom yum Goong, Som tum, satay, Khao Pad, and more.

Ultimately, their food is very affordable, making it a recommended place to eat during your visit to Chino Hills.

Check Out the McCoy Equestrian & Recreation Center

The McCoy Equestrian & Recreation Center is another popular place to check out in Chino Hills.

It covers more than 20 acres of the beautiful landscaped equestrian facility and a function area dubbed as the “McCoy Residence” that is a popular venue for various affairs in the community.

In general, the McCoy Equestrian & Recreation Center is a nice place to visit if you’re interested in learning horseback riding or watching various horse shows.

It opened in 1997 after it was donated by renowned horse breeder Helen McCoy to the City of Chino Hills to promote the preservation of the equestrian heritage of the community.

The McCoy Equestrian & Recreation Center is situated along Peyton Drive.

Watch the Vaunted Chino Hills High School Basketball Team Play

The Chino Hills High School Basketball Team or the Huskies is widely known in the world of basketball.

This high school produced numerous NBA players such as Lonzo and LaMelo Ball, who now plays for the Chicago Bulls and the Charlotte Hornets.

It is also where Atlanta Hawks’ Onyeka Okongwu studied and played for the team.

The Chino Hills High School Basketball Team is considered one of the best high school teams of all time in the United States, mainly because of its unbeaten 35-0 (win-loss) record of the 2016 season.

They went on winning the state championship and even got ranked the No. 1 high school team in the country at some point.

Watching their game would surely entertain basketball fans because of their top-notch basketball skills that are already at par with professional players.

You can catch their home games at the Chino Hills High School.

Play Golf at the Los Serranos Country Club

The Los Serranos Country Club is a public golf course in Chino Hills widely known as one of the leading golf courses in Southern California.

It boasts two huge golf courses, each featuring a world-class 18-hole, par 72 course where everyone can play and enjoy.

If you’re an avid golfer, it is a place in Chino Hills you should not miss visiting.

For those who want to learn golf, the Los Serranos Country Club also offers golf lessons for all ages.

The golf course is also equipped with chipping greens, sand trap shots, putting green, and a spacious driving range throughout the course.

Meanwhile, its clubhouse is known for its restaurant billed as the “Racquet Room,” which offers a wide variety of delicious food from breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Appreciate the Architecture of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

Exterior view of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir.

Kit Leong / Shutterstock.com

Chino Hills has a diverse and vibrant community, which is home to various ethnicities.

With that in mind, it’s also home to numerous religious centers such as the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir situated along Fairfield Ranch Rd.

Closer view of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir temple.

Michael Vi / Shutterstock.com

After the completion of its construction in 2012, this Hindu religious temple became an instant tourist attraction mainly because of its beautiful architecture.

If you’re seeking a unique experience in Chino Hills, probably with a bit of Indian culture, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is the perfect place to visit.

Overall, it is a must-see religious attraction because of its excellent craftsmanship that will make you linger there for hours, appreciating the temple’s beauty.

View inside the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir.

Kit Leong / Shutterstock.com

Traverse the Eucalyptus South Loop Trail

The Eucalyptus South Loop Trail is a scenic outdoor attraction in Chino Hills, covering four kilometers of unspoiled natural beauty.

If you’re seeking more outdoor activities in the city, this is the perfect spot to go out hiking and explore the rolling hills of the Chino Hills Valley.

This park is trendy for hikers and visitors for its picturesque view of the San Bernardino Valley.

In addition, you will surely appreciate the peaceful ambiance while hiking along the trail.

Overall, the Eucalyptus South Loop Trail is not as hard to traverse, so you can bring your entire family there and enjoy the sceneries while hiking.

Watch the Latest Flicks at the Harkins Movie Theatre

If you’re looking for a relaxing leisure time in Chino Hills, you should consider watching the latest movies at the Harkins Movie Theatre along Chino Avenue.

This movie theater boasts 18 screens, ultra-comfortable ling seats, stadium seating, and spacious legroom.

Moreover, the theatre is equipped with excellent video and audio technology to achieve an immersive movie experience.

It is one of the most popular movie theatres in the city worth checking out during your visit to Chino Hills.

After watching a movie, treat yourself to delicious food and refreshments, as the Harkins Movie Theatre is conveniently located near restaurants, coffee shops, and a gas station.

Be Amazed by the Replica of the Temples of Abu Simbel at the Egyptian Buildings

The “Egyptian Building,” as many locals in Chino Hills would call it, is an Egyptian Restaurant billed as Farou Food constructed back in 2020.

You don’t need to travel far to Egypt to take photos of ancient temples and pyramids because Chino Hills already have one.

It is widely known by many because of its perfect replica of the ancient Egyptian temples of Abu Simbel.

Initially, anyone would mistakenly see this building as a museum of some sort; however, it is a local restaurant.

The building’s design has all the intricate details of the temples to come up with an uncanny replica.

Overall, it’s a wonderful place to take photos outside the restaurant since its interior is still under construction.

Go on a Food Trip at Local Favorites

In Chino Hills, you’re presented with a wide array of cuisines, including American classics, Asian, Mexican, Italian, and the list goes on.

With that in mind, one of the best things to do in Chino Hills is going on a food trip.

If you’re craving authentic Japanese cuisine, dine at the Ojiya Sushi along with Chino Hills Pkwy J.

They are best known for their traditional Japanese dishes, such as tempura, teriyaki, salmon shio yaki, sushi plates, maki rolls, and Japanese beer and sake.

If American classics are your go-to food, you can check out Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill along Grand Ave.

They specialize in fall-off-the-bone barbeque such as baby back ribs, Carolina pulled pork, and smoked brisket paired with their yummy salads and appetizers.

They also serve burgers, sandwiches, steaks, and salmon.

On the other hand, if you’re searching for Southern-style food, visit The Boiler Steam Kettle Cooking along Chino Hills Pkwy.

They specialize in Louisiana Southern flairs such as the famous Jambalaya, Gulf oysters, Pan Roast, Gumbo, and more.

They also serve an excellent selection of craft beer paired perfectly with their menu items.

A hearty meal before going back home should be on your itinerary during your visit to Chino Hills.

These restaurants won’t disappoint you if you’re looking for a memorable food trip in this city.

Enjoy Nature at the Grand Avenue Trail

Another nature trail in Chino Hills worth checking out is the Grand Avenue Trail which can be accessed through Grand Avenue Park.

The entire trail spans about 5.5 kilometers out and backs which offers hikers a scenic view of the San Bernardino Valley and Chino Hills.

If you’re up for more hiking on the beautiful natural sceneries of Chino Hills, you should go out and head to Grand Avenue Trail.

Like most of Chino Hills’ trail systems, it is fairly easy to traverse and very accessible to everyone.

Final Thoughts

Chino Hills is a perfect example of a suburban city that city dwellers need to visit if they long to escape the city stress.

Since it’s very near Los Angeles, Chino Hills is a great place to relax, unwind and enjoy its offerings that range from natural attractions to great food, and leisure.

If you want an instant itinerary during your visit to Chino Hills, don’t hesitate to bookmark this post and share it with your fellow wanderlusts.

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